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| Hiking | 2.45 Miles |
97 AEG |
| | Hiking | 2.45 Miles | 2 Hrs | | 1.23 mph |
| 97 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | Lynn and I took a 315 mile http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=116754 day trip that included Organ Pipe Cactus NM and Crater Range on the BMGR.
I've driven along Hwy 85 through the Crater Range on several occasions and have been captivated by the unworldly landscape - sort of like Arizona's version of the Trona Pinnacles http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=8735 . I've also noted some great wild flower displays with a dramatic backdrop and wondered what it would take to visit the area.
Permitting was completed at the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=58527 in Ajo AZ. Process took about 45 minutes by the friendly and informative staff. Most of that time was taken watching the 30 minute video - a repeat performance only because I lacked a "VIDEO" stamp http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=116752 on last year's permit...
Drove up to Gate #15 http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=116742 and gained entry (with the lock combination provided) onto the Crater Range. The area has almost a lunar landscape feel to it - very appropriate given the moon rising in the east as we explored the volcanic remnants.
Found some scattered glyphs and a bedrock metate as we explored. No pottery sherds or other evidence of ancient habitation could be found. Found plenty of evidence of modern habitation - beer bottles, yuk!
With the sun setting in the west and a large bright moon rising in the east, we were provided sufficient exploration light before we decided to call it a day. The area is worthy further exploration and I�m sure a return trip in the near future is in order (mayber during wild flower season?). The BMGR "Area B" Public Access Area Map http://hikearizona.com/phoZOOM.php?ZIP=116750 provided with the permits lists some additional access gates;
Gate #15 - Crater Range, milepost 29.9, 11.3 miles from CPNWR Headquarters
Gate #14 - Well That Johnny Dug, milepost 27.1, 14.1 miles from CPNWR Headquarters
Gate #9 - Hat Mountain, milepost 20.3, 20.9 miles from CPNWR Headquarters
Gate #8 - Black Gap Well, milepost 17.8, 23.4 miles from CPNWR Headquarters
Gate #6a - Black Gap 2, milepost 16.2, 25.0 miles from CPNWR Headquarters
Gate #5 - Black Gap 1, milepost 15.1, 26.1 miles from CPNWR Headquarters |
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Route Editor
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